Photo Credit: joeldyke.com
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”Proverbs 13:20
For as long as I can remember, it has been Tom’s goal in our marriage to pursue relationships with whom we respect and desire to be like. And I can say looking back through the years, we’ve made some amazing friends who are, in my humble opinion, quality, God-fearing couples who not only enjoy each other, but their pursuit of God is riveting. We have been blessed beyond measure, and it is because of Tom’s leadership in this area.
Who are the friends you pursue? And why?
Is it because they’re fun and help you forget your troubles? Or do they challenge you to be better? Certainly those friends who challenge us can be fun as well, but if fun is all you’re getting out of the relationship it may be time to raise the bar, either in this relationship or pursue other couples you admire.
We’ve heard it said, “You’re convictions rise to the highest level of Biblical knowledge you have learned.” If your knowledge isn’t increasing neither will your convictions. And if your convictions aren’t increasing your marriage may be flat-lining. This could be the “harm” of which this verse speaks.
Photo Credit: flatline.com
Purpose to spend time together as a couple talking about the friends you have and the friends you would like to get to know. Then, make a concerted effort to go after them for their wisdom and for their friendship. Years from now your marriage will be the better for it, and you most likely will discover some amazing couples have become your friends.
How easy is it for you to make new friends? If it’s hard, how will you overcome it to pursue wise couples in order to glean from their experience? We would love to hear your thoughts.
The Romantic Vineyard 
I have a wonderful slew of friends. A fair number of them form a surrogate family- since my relatives are dead- or live far away (long story, NFPC). And, we get together for holidays, Friday nights, fun times, sad times…It’s the spice of life! (Oh, and wonderful kids, kids-in-law, and a grand grandson.)
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Good, quality friends are a gift we should never take for granted. So glad you have a “slew” of them. 🙂
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You are the friend that you describe here.
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Thank you, Bonnie. I can say the same about YOU. Can’t wait for you to be home.
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What a great topic! This discussion is essential for every relationship because “bad company corrupts good character” 1 Corinthian 15:33. There was a time when my husband and I frequently accompanied a couple that argued consistently! Before we knew it, we were doing the same. We realized that we had to distance ourselves because during that time, we had not been married long and was still trying to get a hang of married life. We are still friends with this couple but we limit our gatherings. However, there have been people that we had to let go altogether and God confirmed our decision every time.
So again, great topic!
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We’ve had to make some of those hard decisions too, Saleena, but it was worth it for the sake of our marriage. Thanks for posting,
Debi
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